My feedback is going to be very specific to one event I held this weekend, and that is the Love Live Dance-Meet-up held on Saturday by Idolized! (the idol group I am a part of).

I'll preface this long post by stating I am extremely happy with how Anime Boston went this year, and am so thankful to all the amazing staff, especially Ficus who was so open to what I had to say regarding the growing popularity of Idol groups.

As you may know, idol cosplay and dance groups are a growing phenomena all over the US! These groups rehearse for months to learn amazing dances and to perform in gorgeous cosplays. However, at Anime Boston there has not been an appropriate space/venue for all these idol groups to display all their hard work. At Anime Boston 2017, our group (Idolized!) was forced out of several locations in the Hynes due to the attention we were getting for our performances.

This year I wanted to make sure the same thing occurred. I have been hosting meet-ups with my group Idolized! for over 2 years now, so I am no stranger to the work it takes to make them go smoothly. I contacted the staff member in charge of panels about possibly holding a panel for idol groups attending AB to perform at. However, as most of us know Anime Boston is a non-profit and therefore all panels must be educational in some way. As such, I was forwarded to the meet-up coordinator Ficus, and was told to sign-up for a meet-up space as soon as they opened. So I stayed up until midnight of the day they opened, and got a space in the Hynes (specifically outside room 206). Ficus quickly contacted me with worries that the meet-up might be too large and too loud, so we worked together to move the meet-up to a more secluded space in the Hilton, however due to the nature of meet-ups at AB we were only able to get a 1 and 1/2 hour time slot.

Our meet-ups are meant to be a platform for both structured Love Live groups and casual attendees to get to dance and show off their idol spirit. In total, 6 idol groups performed at our meet-up. We also like to allow for open dance, so everyone who is there gets a chance to participate. However, because of the time restriction (and the fact that there were pre-planned 9 performances by groups) there was a disappointing lack of open dance. There were a few, but Idolized and all of the attendees would have preferred to have more time.

In regards to the space. The location of our meet-up was in the Westminster Ballroom which has a capacity of 125 people. Our meet-up was already at nearly at maximum capacity 15 minutes PRIOR to the beginning of our event, and there was a line out the door throughout the entirety of the meet-up. We did not have a real set up to play music, so we had to set up our own speakers. The groups performing also expressed a lack of space available for dancing. Not to mention there was not NEARLY enough space for open dance.

This is where I get to my recommendations. I talked to Ficus in person on Saturday before our meet-up, and the suggestion was thrown around that idol performances could get a room similar to the karaoke room in the future. Stage space, a sound system, and seating would make an INCREDIBLE difference for an event like this. Other conventions like Akon and Holiday Matsuri hold events called Idol Showcases . These are official con events, with a stage and ample seating, where local idol groups are able to perform and shine like they have always dreamed. I was in the masquerade for the first time this year, and I found the experience extremely worthwhile and was a dream of mine. I am confident that I could help organize something similar to the masquerade, but for idol performances (of course on a smaller scale than the masquerade). I would also love to integrate open dance.

I would love to work with Anime Boston staff to throw around the idea of potentially hosting an Idol Showcase next year at Anime Boston. I have a lot of experience both with hosting events and just idol activities in general. I'll send you my resume if you want haha. Idol groups truly just want a place to showcase all of their hard work, and I am dedicated to making sure all of them have the same performing opportunities I have had in my past 7 years of cosplaying!

I'll attach some photos below as well as statements from other cosplayers that performed at the meet-up.

END OF MEET-UP PICTURE

15 MINUTES BEFORE START OF MEET-UP
STATEMENTS FROM PERFORMERS AT THE MEET:

I'd love to be a part of a big idol festival! like a real life school idol festival, hehe~ it be so amazing if we could give everyone a chance to shine, because everyone deserves their own spot on stage. - HeartBeat Idols

Performing was amazing! i wouldn’t want to debut at any other meet. thanks so much for hosting, and for all who attended and performed! you’re all amazing, love you! -finn/rin

I definitely think we need more space, while dancing we had limited movement going forward so the spacing was a bit off I’m assuming for everyone, that being said we also could have used more seating, there wasn’t enough seating for the groups preforming let alone observers. ~Cat

know that Cat already expressed some of our thoughts, but as a group we've always thought the idea of an idol festival/showcase would be super cool! If there was one big event for all of the idols to showcase their hard work it would cut down on groups performing in the hallways, give everyone who is there to support and watch an adequate and comfortable space to do so, and it would allow the many different idol groups their own time to shine! We've seen it work at so many different conventions across the united states and it would be so amazing to see it come to Anime Boston! ~Ali

I agree with what my other members said! I also think the event is honestly such an amazing thing cause it brings all of us love live fans together and allows us to cheer each other on and it creates a more positive bond between groups it makes it feel like less of a competition and more of just a chance to show how hard we work to put these dances together. I definitely think we need more space & a larger span of time so even more groups would get the chance to perform! - Summi

I loved the concept, but in practice, maybe not so much. We discussed this a bit during the "Building Gundams with Overnight Security" thing on Sunday:

No tools in the room: Of course, to have tools, someone needs to supply them, and someone needs to make sure they stay put, and that means the room would need to be staffed. But without tools, a "Gundam build room" is basically just a "room".

Rolling the "Building Gundams with Overnight Security" event into the build room was not really ideal: While the event is super-casual it still benefits from panel room amenities like PA system, and projector. It also made the "Overnight Security" event seem less like its own thing, and more like a facet of this build room that was there at the con.

That said, I didn't do a lot of shopping this year, but I bet having the room was nice for people who did, to have a place to retreat to and appreciate (and maybe build) their new prize. I'm not sure what the best solution is.

If you'd like to see more art in the art show, the most straightforward solution would be to make some art and bring it to the art show.

Yeah, sure. Let me get right on that. You got about $60K I can have for art school?

Joking aside, My comment was meant to be taken in comparison over the past few years. As I stated, back in 2016 that Art Show was full of pieces for sale (as well as on display), and I didn't notice anybody balking at the bidding process by listing the minimum bid and buy it now as the same dollar value. And back in 2016, I actually bid on a few different items.

Last year, the number of items seemed to drop off, but not by a whole lot. I just didn't bid on anything because there was nothing that interested me.

This year, however, the display areas were at least 60% empty. I was shocked. Not to say the quality of the works that were on display was sub-par, but I was amazed not only by how few items were there, but how many of the items that were there didn't give attendees the chance to bid.

So, I guess it's a question more towards the volunteers who coordinate the Art Show: Has anything changed since 2016 that may have turned artists away?

Though, a good question for you tetsujin: If AB took a smaller commission, would that incentivize you to provide more artwork for sale? What if the proceeds were for charity?

I went to an early panel on fri and didn't bother with opening ceremonies since it was half over when it let out. I popped into AA and the art show, in the 10-15 mins I was there 4 or 5 piece went at the buy it now price, so it might not have been so empty but people were just buying it up quickly.

I really hope you get a good setup for next year. Whether it's a big event on one of the stages or a full-time room (or time-sharing with karaoke) that would be great.

Another option to consider: the Formal Ball space! This year it was set up all Saturday morning waiting for the Semi-formal, and I think it would be the perfect place for the open dance you talked about. Hard floor, sound system, plenty of seating and space.

All of these options would go through our programming department. Definitely reach out to them! (You could wait until panel submissions for next year open, or do it now while this year is fresh in everyone's mind.)

I wish I had known of such a non-event, and hope something comes of it in the future. We have huge fan events for costumes, karaoke is kinda squirreled away in its own event. But a combined mini-event could be an interesting experiment. Hope all goes well with the staff reach out.

This is pretty late, but I wanted to thank AB for the medical sticker system this year! My escort and I had no trouble getting through lines, and getting chairs for me to rest throughout the con. Usually I am able to get by with verbal explanations, but having a sticker on my badge to flash just expedited everything. Thanks so much to all the staff who made accessibility issues nonexistent for me this year, even at guest signings and the FLOW concert.

I would like to thank AB staff and volunteers for all their hard work putting on a great convention.

Pro:
I had a great time. Will be back next year.

The security was easy to deal with this year. I was able to go in and out several time without any issues. I do not use the main entrance. I use one of the other entrances.

I run into young and/or shy people who I feel would not be there unless it was comfortable for them to be there.

I used the Guide Book app. I use it to set up my schedule of events. It’s easier then using the paper version of events. Hope AB keeps using it.

I have been going to Anime Boston for a few years so I know what to expect. I don’t have the issues other people have.

Con:

I walked by the Maid Café several times, looked in the room. The line was way too long for me. Maybe next year a bigger room or more tables, or Maids, etc.

I missed the wooden benches on the 2nd floor. The hallway is real wide. In years past I didn’t see them contributing to a traffic jam. It was a place where people could sit and talk. Meet new people. I would sit there and do uploads to social media sites. Without the wooden benches the hallway was half empty.

The AB info both I stop at didn’t have a list of photo shoot areas and room. So they didn’t know the names or where the rooms were located.

Security issues:

This is the world we now live in.

An active shooter event is over in minutes. The standard police policy has been don’t engage, containment of the suspect, call for backup. Police department have been slow in changing that policy. The new policy police department are adopting is engage the active shooter as soon as possible and distract the shooter until backup shows up.

I saw two Boston Police officers walking around together. It would take a police officer many minutes to change floors and get thru the panicking crowd trying to run away. There should be an armed person on each floor during peak crowd times. Don’t assume the current security will keep a mentally ill person on a mission from getting in. I suggest you pass this on to Haynes security.

In general people don’t like changes to the way they have been doing things. Sometimes you have to push on them. I am willing to help push on Haynes security.

Great con as it was every year. I mostly go to spend all my money. Of the 8 consecutive years of me going, this year (and last) were some of the smoothest and shortest lines. Walking into the building Friday at 11 am, I thought the pre-reg line would be a nightmare, but instead, we basically walked right in and got our badges without any wait, meanwhile the at-con reg line was very long (but none of my concern as I'll always pre-reg.)
Security lines were also very nice and quick, which was a stark difference from the previous years when many people had to stand outside in the cold. I can't remember exactly which year but I remember once waiting maybe 2 hours in the pre-reg line and an hour for the bag line. The lines were all wound up through the hotel and wrapped around outside in the cold as heck March weather. I stood there in those lines wondering why I chose this lifestyle. A Boston duck boat paused outside the hotel, staring at us cosplayers as we shivered in line waiting like... ducks. But yeah lines were perfect this year.

On sunday, one of the dealers had requested volunteers to help them pack up and move out. Since I asked early in advance (they offered free stuff and I figured it was one less figurine to pay for lmao) I got to help as they raffled off the 4 other slots to people. Closing down the dealers stand was super cool and I found it super interesting to see the dealers room (my fav room of the con) stripped bare. I was geeking out as they told me I was doing a great job and they offered me to help in the future. One hour and a free figurine later (as well as a few free secret broken figurines) I walked out of an empty convention center and honestly felt it was one of the best years so far.

tldr it was amazing. short lines and i helped a booth pack up for a free figurine.
i just wish i could find a single photo of myself!!!!!

slight edit, question about the photo suite?
i have not gotten an email with my photos yet and i was wondering whats up with that. im patient but would like to see them.

I missed the wooden benches on the 2nd floor. The hallway is real wide. In years past I didn’t see them contributing to a traffic jam. It was a place where people could sit and talk. Meet new people. I would sit there and do uploads to social media sites. Without the wooden benches the hallway was half empty.

I was thinking the same thing, but didn't mention it because I figured it was a decision made by Hynes staff. My wife and I both noticed it, and I remember commenting that there's going to be a lot of exhausted people come Saturday night who are going to miss them.

I missed the wooden benches on the 2nd floor. The hallway is real wide. In years past I didn’t see them contributing to a traffic jam. It was a place where people could sit and talk. Meet new people. I would sit there and do uploads to social media sites. Without the wooden benches the hallway was half empty.

I was thinking the same thing, but didn't mention it because I figured it was a decision made by Hynes staff. My wife and I both noticed it, and I remember commenting that there's going to be a lot of exhausted people come Saturday night who are going to miss them.

This was brought up in the feedback session too so I can respond to that. We basically got caught up in a gap period where the Hynes was refurbishing the benches. Worry not, they will be back!

The Policy of only compensating the moderator of fan panels, and not the other panelists is extremely frustrating. I hosted THREE panels, and was only paid for MY membership. None of the 4 other people who were on panels with me were compensated. Having a policy that you can only be compensated once is perfectly understandable, but I will not be hosting more than one panel or any panels in the future unless all of my panelists are compensated.

I believe the policy is co-panelists need to assist on 4 other panels. If I understand, there is always an issue of making sure people who sign up for panels will actually show up, so there's a balance to strike between handing out membership reimbursements. So across 3 panels to give out a total of 5 reimbursements would come off as unfair as well in the other direction. Your allies were short by one. I had this issue a few years back when I had someone assist me on two panels, and was informed it would not be enough.

I will admit it makes it hard to plan ahead. If you then submit 4, but then only 3 get approved it would be a repeat of this year for you, well there goes that reimbursement anyways.

I was thinking, would it be possible to have two threads for the Swap meet - 1 that allows people to post only what they are looking for (perfect for those that search year round for items) - the other a thread that acts as it does now - what they are offering for swap? This way, we could have a year round thread going, where people could look for items others are looking for as swap material? Where this has been part of the programming for the convention, could these also be started earlier than January, perhaps as early as when prereg begins? This would allow for maximum available time for those that participate only through the forums for swaps in advance vs. those that bring to the actual event. Sort of an expansion for the community, having two groups embraced in one event.

"Thou who art darker than even darkness,
Thou who art deeper than even the night!
Thou, the Sea of Chaos, who drifts upon it,
Golden Lord of Darkness!
Hereby I call to thee,
Hereby I swear before thee!
Those who would stand against us,
All those who are fools,
By the power you and I possess,
Grant destruction equally upon them all!
GIGA SLAVE!"

Alright it's been about 4 weeks ( now 5 months ugh sorry) after the con, now for the feedback. I did attend the feedback panel on Sunday, I was the Kiyone cosplayer.
Big ups to AB staff and Hynes too, didn't forget those guys for another fantastic convention this year. I always appreciate the hard work that goes into every part of this con functioning the way it does. AB is my home con ^_^

FEEDBACK:
I'll start with Karaoke. Once again thank you for having Karaoke back on the third floor in the Hynes. The space is great, the system of sign ups is great. I performed one song all weekend, it is a very popular event so having to wait for your turn sucks a little but I love going there every year and I do enjoy everyone else's performances. I do recall there was a tv screen on the stage facing the performer? I think that was a great addition for karaoke. Saves on paper lyrics, but paper lyrics are available too which is very appreciated. Also the room was open til 2AM, THANK YOU! Just knowing there was more to do late friday and saturday night is really cool and I always enjoy going to karaoke after the masquerade.

Hilton Hotel Photo shoot rooms, let's seee, I appreciate extending programming and space in the Hilton. And using the Neptune, Uranus and Saturn rooms was appreciated for meet ups not just photo shoots alone. Especially since it was still somewhat cold and windy outside the con. Having more indoor space for the photo shoot and gatherings was great. The spaces were great but I know there's no control over the lighting in the rooms. The lighting was not bright enough for photos. No windows for natural light. Ideally photos come out great with great lighting. And we could supply that on our own. So not putting down any blame for that, just the experience I had I wish that I had a better camera. But that's on my own account. Thanks AB.

For Artist Alley Entrance and AA space, I think the entrance went smoothly. The times I used the Artist Alley entrance from the Sheraton were fast and efficient. I did not have to wait and I'm not sure if last year there were that many security bag checks stationed but I think that helped move people in faster. I was a participant in the Deathmatch and Waitlist in Chess so I used my security fast pass sticker and the security recognized it. It was good. I've read other feedback that the space for the AA walkways were much narrower this year. I did notice that. I don't remember the walkways being wider in previous years than this year's but it was annoying having to try and pass people who would stop in the middle of the walkways. Also there was a lot of empty space in the back corner of the AA room. I think a few more artist tables could fill in those spaces, just saying. I never saw the AA entrance needing that much space to get people through security. There were a lot of great artist this year too. I didn't get a chance to go inside the Art Show corner, but just passing by it and and glancing over a few times, it looked kinda empty. What happened here AB? I wish I did get a chance to go in and take a look but I was running around this year. I do appreciate the art show.

Security Fast Pass Sticker, as I mentioned before I participated in Deathmatch and Waitlisted in Chess this year. We were given the security fast pass sticker to get pass the lines and make it in time for the events we were in. I thank you AB, Cosplay HQ, Games, for this as I obtained my badge very late in the morning on Friday and was nervous to be late for the Deathmatch and Cosplay Chess. It was great and convenient. Not to mention very cool to get to use it throughout the day. I will admit, and I am accountable for this, I did not get my Galaxy Police gun prop, weapons checked throughout the weekend for my Kiyone cosplay. There were two times, I entered the prudential side in my Kiyone cosplay, Friday night and Sunday morning for Chess that I used the security sticker to pass the lines. I showed the security and staff my badge and sticker and they let me in the exiting side without checking my bag. I am accountable for bringing my prop to be checked and even bringing my bag to have security check but i think that security should be more on top for checking bags in the prudential entrance even if the person is in possession of the security sticker. Friday morning, and all Saturday I was not in my Kiyone cosplay but in my other cosplay which I didn't have a weapon prop for. I used the security sticker to pass the line for the AA entrance in which case, the security at that entrance did check my belongings before letting me proceed. The sticker was a nice advantage but there was that loop hole in the process.

Coat Check, I think it was a good for coat check to be moved to a room this year. Instead of in the hall ways out in the open for anyone to maybe have access to our stuff. I just hope that the size of the room isn't a waste of space for maybe another program to use. Why did they increase the price for coat check for $3 on Saturday? Was it because it was Saturday and that on Friday and Sunday it was $2 again?

Idol Group. Someone mentioned the idea for space for Idol groups to gather. Maybe an event, workshop or panel. I think this is a great idea, and would be cool for them to have a panel room to use. If it wasn't a panel this year, it should be one next year. I myself am not that into the Idol anime but I do think it's a great idea and would check it out. I would also say the same for Kpop/Jpop gathering as well. I would like to see a panel or program for that too next year and the space can be used to do a dance a long to the songs event, where there is an open floor space for attendees to come in and participate or sit back and watch.

Food in the Hynes and the Maid Cafe. As much as I would rather pay less for food outside the Hynes, I do appreciate the food carts in the halls for their convenience as well as the cafeteria area. I love that there was a maid cafe this year. I planned on going, but did not get around to getting there throughout the weekend. After reading others feedback, it looks like there is room for improvement and I hope that AB brings it back for next year as well. I think it's a fantastic idea.

The Air Conditioning throughout the Hynes, panel rooms, exhibition halls, masquerade, etc. I was the one who brought that up in the feedback panel that the room temperatures were too much on the colder side. I understand that with many people, the body heat will warm up the space but that wasn't the case. Panel rooms I visited, and masquerade main events hall, Hall D, were too cold. For the way I was dressed I could have dressed warmer but I did not want that for my cosplay which consisted of a tank top and shorts. I remember sitting in all throughout the masquerade and then Karaoke room and my body shaking Saturday night. People are different, some don't mind the cold, some do. For myself, if the room is cold my body and muscles tend to tense up which is an uncomfortable stress. But I love the masquerade and karaoke so I was willing to put up with it. On my part, I can be better prepared to cover myself up and stay warm next time, but I think that the room temperatures don't need to be that cold. It wasn't a comfortable room temperature 65, 72 degrees, it felt much colder than that. Like New England weather but indoors.

Autographs. Didn't get a chance to get an autograph. I wanted to get Steve Blum's autograph but saw Friday morning that they were out. I didn't bother to try for Saturday. I didn't mind the hours for picking up a ticket for autographs. I would've woken up early for it if I was that dedicated. I do appreciate that the guests were available at the dealers room for more autographs. I would suggest moving their tables in the Dealers room to a more open space. Not that it got very crowded all the time walking by their tables but i did notice it crowded. Their location is good though so that they're not hidden away but noticeable.

The Guest line up was great this year. Steve Blum! I mean wow! That was so cool. I got to see his panel on Saturday, it was like a dream come true thank you AB. And Josh Grelle, J Michael Tatum and Monica Rial. XD yaaaaay! I would like to see more of the veteran VA's that I recognize but the newer ones were very cool too and the male english VA's were handsome to boot. I saw Yuji Moto's panel which was awesome. I hope he felt very welcomed at AB. I love Shin Chan and it was cool to hear how he remembered the original creator of the show. Im more of a fan for english dub Shin Chan but I wanted to learn about the Yuji Moto is and what how he contributed in the anime and shows he's worked on. He's a fun character. I thought Flow was cool too. Although I missed their concert, it was cool to have them here at AB. Such a rare opportunity to experience a well known Japanese band concert here in this side of the world. It was cool, cool , cool. Which also leads me to talk about Asaka.

Asaka. Once again, very cool to have the opportunity to experience a Japanese artist perform a concert here in this side of the world. At AB. With no additional admission mind you. I don't know who Asaka is. I never heard her music before. I am a fan of Jpop though and Anime music very much. Also Kpop. But it was a delight to get to have a concert with her. As for her performing before the actual skits of the masquerade, I think it went on a little too long. I was expecting 4 or 5 songs. But what felt like, correct me if i am wrong, 8 or 9 songs, went on for a little too long for my interests. I said to myself, finally when it was over. I thought it was fun to see some audience participation with the light sticks, bopping to the music. As someone mentioned here before, it would be cool to see a merch table of her music and to be able to buy a light stick too. I like that concert culture I think it would be really fun.

The masquerade itself was fantastic this year too. I love the Roadie, he is awesome. And Luigi? Weegee, not sure which name it is, she was fun too. I thought the skits were great again this year. There's always room for better.

The AMVS, well romance or whatever didn't get my vote. I was disappointed. But this is the way culture is swaying to.

The deathmatch was fantastic! I love being apart of it with a good group. It's long enough but it's fun. I wish the time crunching was figured out.
The Chess match was also very good, it's just overall the best programming in AB. The Lip Synching event was a little confusing. Did people sign up ahead of time to go up on stage? Is the lipsynching limited to just music performance only?

AB I love you. Looking forward to next year. Stay diplomatic, stay professional and stay fun

The Chess match was also very good, it's just overall the best programming in AB. The Lip Synching event was a little confusing. Did people sign up ahead of time to go up on stage? Is the lipsynching limited to just music performance only?

Lip Sync Battle is one of our Cosplay Games!
Just like in Chess, Death Match, Dating Game etc. our participants apply ahead of time and are hand-picked by our coordinators to put on an awesome event!

We'll be posting more information about our 2019 lineup in the near future!

My only real complaint I have is I accidentally lost my autograph tickets for my hero academia cast and Josh grille and I woke up so early to get them because I wanted them to sign my hero academia poster but sadly I was turned away I wish there was a way to tell that a person got a ticket for that autograph signing even if they lost theirs.